THAT COST PENNIES
Taking good care of yourself doesn’t need to be expensive
With the cost of living on the rise, we’re all looking for ways to cut our spending. But while we can be more bargain savvy in the supermarket aisles, what about when it comes to our health? Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can take care of yourself and your loved ones without breaking the bank.
KEEP MOVING TO BEAT BACK PAIN
‘Staying active is one of the most important things you can do to ease a bad back,’ says physiotherapist Neil Velleman. ‘Resting for long periods can make pain worse.’ Moving also helps build supporting muscles to prevent future problems.
✣ FREE
SALTY WATER FOR A SORE THROAT
Simply dissolve ½tsp of salt in warm water and gargle for a few seconds before spitting it out. Do not swallow it. Repeat as often as needed. Plus, drink plenty of plain cool water to keep hydrated.
✣ LESS THAN 5P A TIME
SIP NETTLE TEA TO HALT HAY FEVER
Nettle tea can help to alleviate symptoms, such as itchy eyes and a runny nose, found Maryland Medical Centre. How? ‘Nettles help by inhibiting the activity of histamine, the chemical that causes the itchy eyes and runny nose,’ says wellness and nutrition expert Penny Weston. Brew your own at home. ‘Cut off as much of the stalk as possible, wash and infuse in boiling water,’ says Penny. ‘Steep for 5-10 minutes – the longer you leave them, the stronger the taste will be.’
✣ FREE
SOAK FOR BETTER SLEEP
Epsom salt is a miracle, multipurpose product that soothes tired, aching muscles, relieves stress, promotes better sleep, and reduces arthritic pain and swelling. You can bulk-buy it on amazon. co.uk for around £5 per kilo. To use, pour two handfuls under running warm water and bathe for up to 20 minutes. The natural magnesium promotes the production of the happy hormone serotonin. You can also use it as a body exfoliator, face wash and hair volumiser. ✣ 13P PER BATH
HYDRATE TO CURE CONSTIPATION
‘Constipation is very common and is usually treated at home with changes to your diet and lifestyle,’ says GP Dr Melanie Wynne-jones. This includes making sure you’re getting the NHS recommended six to eight glasses of water a day. By simply hydrating and giving constipation sachets a miss, you can save up to £8.
✣ FREE
FRESH MINT FOR IBS
Next time you’re at the supermarket or doing an online order, pop a fresh mint plant in your basket. It grows fast and is known to help relieve IBS symptoms, nausea, indigestion, and can improve memory and fatigue. Every morning, take three or four large leaves off your mint plant and steep them in a mug of boiling water, as you would with loose tea.
✣ 15P PER DAY
USE SPICE TO HELP YOU SLIM
Spices help to raise your metabolism. Studies show that the spicier the food, the more consciously you eat. So your portion sizes are smaller, and you get fuller faster. Turmeric contains natural pain reliever and proven fat-fighter curcumin, says Tufts University in the US.
✣ LESS THAN 5P A TIME